The Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, has recorded fresh counter-terrorism gains in the North-East, with the surrender of several senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) leaders and 76 foot soldiers in the last week.

According to a communique issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, sustained military offensives and intelligence-driven operations forced the insurgents to abandon their hideouts and surrender voluntarily.

Captain Goni stated that the surrendered ISWAP leaders are key members of the network and are being debriefed in line with operational protocols. He added that 76 terrorist foot soldiers and some family members also surrendered within the said period.

Captain Mohammed Goni further noted that the development reflects the impact of sustained operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves, disrupting command structures and weakening insurgent networks.

”The command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations until all remaining terrorist elements are neutralised or compelled to surrender,” he said.

In a separate incident, residents of Kurawa and neighbouring communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State said suspected bandits planted an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Sabon Birni–Kurawa road on June 28, raising new concerns over the growing use of explosives by armed groups in Sokoto East.

The incident comes eight days after bandits detonated an IED targeting security personnel near Bargaja in Isa LGA, an attack that reportedly killed three security personnel.

According to the residents, the latest device appears intended to slow or prevent security operatives from responding swiftly to attacks. They added that the growing use of IEDs has heightened fears across Sabon Birni, Isa, Goronyo and other parts of Sokoto East, with the explosives posing a threat to security personnel, commuters, farmers and displaced persons.